Funeral Buddy Program

At Mental Heart Healing House, we understand how deeply loss can affect a child. The Funeral Buddy Program was created to walk alongside grieving children with compassion and care—before, during, and after the death of a loved one. Through therapeutic play, memory-making, and emotional guidance, we help children process grief in safe, supportive ways.

This program helps young kids explore the reality of loss
through co-healing play, guided experiences, and compassionate support.

What Is The Funeral Buddy Program?

Community options available

Payment we accept: cash, zelle, HSA, ESA,paypal, credit card

The Funeral Buddy Program is a compassionate grief support experience for neurotypical children ages 3–11 who are facing the death of a close loved one or family pet. With our background in children’s mental health, this program offers tailored emotional and sensory support before, during, and after loss.

Our guided sessions help children explore grief gently through therapeutic play, memory-making, and real-time support during end-of-life ceremonies and transitions.

Child-Centered Grief Tools

Gentle, age-appropriate ways to express grief and ask questions.

Before, During, and After Death Support

A step-by-step healing journey for different stages of loss.

Hands-On Healing

Guided funeral home tours, child-led memorials, and tangible ways to honor their person or pet.

Find answers to common questions about the program.

Below are some of the most common questions families ask about this program. If you need more personalized support, feel free to reach out to our team directly.

Who is this program for?

The Funeral Buddy Program is for neurotypical children ages 3–11 who have lost a loved one or pet, or are anticipating the death of someone close to them. This program meets them where they are, offering age-appropriate grief support.

What happens during the actual funeral or service?

Our team gently prepares children for what to expect (sights, sounds, emotions), helps create keepsakes or mementos, offers quiet support during the service, and assists in navigating sensory needs. If the child wants, we help them approach or touch the body in a safe and supported way.

Is there support after the funeral?

Yes. We offer a 1-week post-funeral follow-up, respite care options, and access to a 4-month community therapeutic play group to help children process grief and ease their return to school and routines.

Read testimonials from participants who have benefited from this program.

These heartfelt testimonials come directly from participants who have experienced the care, compassion, and impact of our programs.

Kimberly Callahan

17:05 15 Feb 24

I cannot speak highly enough about Mental Heart Healing House and K–4 Microschool. This incredible school goes above and beyond and has provided a nurturing environment where my child's unique needs are met. Not only do they offer a comprehensive education, but they also seamlessly integrate STEM-based learning and therapeutic play into their curriculum. It's truly heartwarming to see how they prioritize the holistic development of my child. Mental Heart Healing House and K-4 Microschool is an exceptional school that truly understands the importance of providing a complete educational experience.

Gina C

00:16 13 Jul 23

We're so thankful and grateful we found Amanda and Mental Heart Therapeutic Play. My son comes from a severe trauma history but thanks to the programs they offer at Mental Heart Therapeutic Play he has found his voice, his calm and we as a family have found community and support. No other therapy or services we've tried have provided us so much growth and healing. Thank you with all our hearts. We cannot wait to start school this fall with Mindful Hearts!

Darcie Sisler

04:36 27 Sep 22

Ms Amanda and her team are wonderful! The environment she creates is inclusive, compassionate, positive and engaging for all the children (and parents). We are so grateful to have found a safe, comfortable and truly fun location to help build upon important skills!!

Porsha Marsh

20:39 28 Apr 22

I love everything that Mental Heart Therapeutic Play stands for. It’s important that children knows how to manage big emotions and Ms. Amanda and Ms. chynitha does and amazing job at teaching them just that. Definitely a favorite In my book

Chara Taylor

18:13 28 Apr 22

The level of care and support exceeds expectations and is unmatched by any other. I wouldn't trust my child to anyone else. I love that the care is for entire family!!! Love, love, love them! Wish I could give more stars!!!

Shari Barrow

04:19 23 Mar 22

We absolutely LOVE Mental Heart Therapeutic Play. Mrs. Amanda and Mrs. Cynthia connected with my 3yr old daughter right away and got her to open up about her fears about sleeping in her own bed. They made a goal with her and within a couple of weeks she was sleeping alone in her own room through the night! She hasn’t done that since birth! We tried as much as we could to get her to be comfortable and nothing was working. Mental Heart was the missing piece. In addition to that she is doing an amazing job using the skills they taught her to regulate her emotions. I can actively see her using those skills when she feels those body cues Mrs. Amanda and Ms. Cynthia taught her. It’s amazing to watch. Her younger brother isn’t old enough to attend but she is teaching him the skills she’s learned. The therapists here work alongside of us and help us with the tools that we need. Since my daughter is now better at managing emotions, calmer throughout the day, and getting enough rest, we notice she has the capacity to overcome her potty training regression. We as parents feel like there is an action plan to handle challenges throughout the day so we are much less frustrated and don’t feel helpless. Our house is much calmer and our daughter is much happier. Thank you Mental Heart Therapeutic Play!

Raynah Wasson

19:24 29 Sep 21

Such a wonderful place! Amanda is so knowledgeable and shows such care for the families she is working with.

Tinosha Lavalle

02:55 29 Sep 21

I love it here I never have a bad experience. My kids always feel comfortable when they visit they have learned so much throughout all the visits they have had and the owner is like a mother to me she is so helpful and loving and cares so much about the minds and hearts of my kids. Thank you . 😊

Christina Sparks

20:53 28 Sep 21

This place and Amanda have been a blessing to my daughter , it has helped so much in so many ways , I’m very grateful!

Angelique Charles

15:39 13 Mar 21

Amanda is so caring and professional. She really has a heart for children and the kind of patience that I've just never seen before. Her suggestions for my nephew has caused him to be more focused in class. Thank you!

Steps of the Healing Journey

Each step ensures children feel seen, heard, and supported while learning tools to regulate emotions and process complex feelings in a safe and creative space.

1st Step

Intake & Initial Support

2nd Step

Choose a Path of Support

3rd Step

Funeral Home Support

4th Step

Ongoing Support & Growth

What You’ll Learn

Children Will Gain:

Join Our Facebook Group

Connect with fellow parents and caregivers in our free Facebook community—share wins, ask questions, and get early access to play labs, grief workshops, and family resources.

Schedule a free 30 Minute Consult Call

Schedule your free 30-minute consult with Amanda Comage Trower—share your family’s story, ask questions, and discover the right play-based support for your child.